KC54: Speed, comfort and easy handling

 The mast and mainsheet traveler are to be found on the coachroof so as to free up the relaxation areas as much as possible: no sail handling maneuvers from the aft cockpit - these are concentrated in the forward cockpit. In the same vein, the helm is located right the way forward in the nacelle. The KC54 will be marketed with two rigs - Standard and Performance/Racing. With a mast 1.4 m (4’7”) taller and an extended bowsprit, the upwind sail area jumps from 149 to 162 m² (1,600 to 1,745 sq ft) and the masthead gennaker offers 167 m² (1,800 sq ft). This is enough to lengthen the boat’s stride, especially given the very well-designed appendages and the displacement being well-managed: most of the fittings are made in a carbon/foam/wood veneer sandwich. Inside the nacelle, there’s comfortable headroom - 2.10 m (6’11”) - and a 360° view. In the hulls, there is 2.05 m (6’9”) between floor and ceiling. The manufacturer is offering 3 or 4-cabins versions: in both configurations, the forward berths lie athwartships. We hope to have tested this superb catamaran on the water before the end of the year!

Technical specifications:

Builder: Kinetic Catamarans

Architect: Simonis Voogd Design

Length: 16.5 m (54’2”)

Waterline length: 16.3 m (53’6”)

Beam: 8.5 m (27’11”)

Lightship displacement: 14.85 t (32,750 lbs)

Draft: 1.52/3.15 m (5’/10’4”)

Air draft: 24.6/26 m (80’8” / 85’4”)

Mainsail area: 94/102 m² (1,010 / 1,100 sq ft)

Genoa: 55/60 m² (590 / 645 sq ft)

Gennaker: 123/127 m² (1,325 / 1,365 sq ft)

Spinnaker A2: 208/250 m² (2,240 / 2,690 sq ft)

Engines: 2 x 80 hp Yanmar

Fuel capacity: 1,000 l (264 US gal)

Water capacity: 1,000 l (264 US gal)

Price: tba

www.kineticcatamarans.com